Do you ever think about where the church is going? Where are we taking the message of the Kingdom of God? What dark corners are we getting into for the purpose of making disciples? Are we really going anywhere at all?
I know that's a heavy load of questions to wrestle with, but I just wonder if we're really going where Jesus is going today. He left the comfort of majesty and humbled Himself to live as one of us. Are there comforts we need to leave behind in order to incarnate His presence for the world today? He ate with hookers and tax collectors (and religious people despised Him for it). When was the last time you (or I) spent any real time with "the least of these"? Are we really going where Jesus is going?
Or are we just going to church?
That phrase makes my fingernails quiver like someone's scraping their teeth across a chalkboard. Yes, I know that's backwards... that's how much I hate that phrase. We attend church, go to church, skip church, leave church, pick a church... but Jesus doesn't play that game. He says we ARE the church - and where the Head goes, the Body follows. I once had someone tell me to choose a church by asking myself if Jesus would attend there. "If He came into town, is this the church He'd come to?" Excuse me? WHEN Jesus comes to town, His church will come to Him!
By all means, Church, keep gathering together to worship our Maker. But stop showing up on Sunday morning feeling like you're doing God a favor. Keep on meeting together to encourage each other and love each other and learn and grow together. But stop "going to church". Instead, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation." Follow the Spirit He's placed within you instead of the spirit of fear that whispers "Be good and stay away from sinners."
"He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me..." -David, in Psalm 23
There is a path of righteousness through dangerous places. Jesus is going there, leading His church on a rescue mission to bar the gates of Hell... are you with Him?
Friday, January 28, 2011
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Jan
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- Auditory Overload
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- A Bluetooth Single
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Jan
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You wrote quite nicely on my Lie #11: Going to church every Sunday is the sign of a good Christian.
ReplyDeleteMaybe I could just reference your blog when I get there. I couldn't have said it better.
Great thoughts on CHURCH! The secular world has lost site of the true meaning of "Church." Jabez prayed to expand his borders. As believers we need the same expansion. "Think outside the box"
ReplyDeleteDidn't mean to steal any thunder, Michele... Feel free to link away but I'm sure you'll have a couple cents to throw in, too.
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